Lessons from the history of cancer screening in Japan between the era of Health and Medical Service Law for the Aged and the era of the Health Promotion Act and the Cancer Control Act

Abstract

Screening for gastric cancer in Japan using the double-contrast method formally began in 1966. However, there was no epidemiological evidence on reduction of mortality from gastric cancer at that time. Japan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare provided cancer research grants to look for the evidence. Consequently, two case-control studies revealed a reduction in gastric cancer mortality among participants who underwent X-ray screening. After a case-control study on screening using fecal occult blood test revealed a reduction in colorectal cancer mortality in Japan, the strategy of colorectal cancer screening was adopted in the national strategy in 1987. Thus, epidemiological studies have made much more sense in formulating new public policy in Japan.